Roma coach Jose Mourinho reveals the advice he gave to Nicolò Zaniolo, who was upset to be left out of the Italy Nations League squad. ‘This is how you react to a moment of sadness.’
The Giallorossi got back on track with goals from Lorenzo Pellegrini and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, after their 3-2 Derby della Capitale defeat to Lazio, though Empoli had started quite strong with some decent chances.
“We played well, solid and compact. We were in control against a team that plays good football and 15 points from seven rounds is a good tally,” Mourinho told DAZN.
Zaniolo seemed a little irritated when he was substituted, although that might also have to do with his annoyance at being left out of Italy’s squad for the Nations League.
“I told him this is how you need to react to a moment of sadness. He expected to be in the Italy squad, I respect Roberto Mancini’s decision and Nico respected it too.
“He has been playing well and if he continues to play like this, he will be called up. He’s in good shape, also tries to defend even when he’s tired. I really liked his performances.”
An important element was the return of Pellegrini, who was suspended against Lazio and signed a new contract this weekend to June 2026.
“Pellegrini is in constant movement, connecting the midfield to the attack. They tried to man-mark him today, but it didn’t work.”
The coach is already learning that the mood in Rome – for both Roma and Lazio – can fly from extreme enthusiasm to utter depression based on one or two results.
“I always said we just need to win the next and it seems to me that people are learning. We know the difference between us and the teams that finished above Roma in recent years.
“I accepted a different project from all the ones I took on in my career, but I really like this situation and I’m happy to give playing time to Darboe, Calafiori and Zalewski.
“I look at Inter and see them bring Edin Dzeko and Arturo Vidal off the bench. People have to understand this is our journey, I was calm after the four wins and I am calm after the derby defeat. I know the fans are behind us.”
There was a cute moment when Mourinho saluted Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti, who had just arrived at the other studio following a 2-1 win away to Fiorentina.
“Are you trying to win every game? I think you need to lose the next one away, my friend!”
The next away match is against Roma.
Spalletti then revealed they exchange Christmas cards every year.
Mourinho: “A Zaniolo ho detto che è così che deve reagire alla delusione data da Mancini” https://t.co/iHa6tIaW4i
— TUTTOmercatoWEB (@TuttoMercatoWeb) October 3, 2021
DOS GENIOS#Mourinho: “Grande Spallettone, pero… ¿quieres ganar todos los paritdos?”#Spalletti: “Calla, que eres peligroso tú”
M: “Creo que deberías perder tu próximo fuera de casa (Roma-Napoli)”
S: “Cuidado, que aquí tenemos todos los amuletos…”pic.twitter.com/V4q5tmmqWS— Mirko Calemme (@mirkocalemme) October 3, 2021
tbh, while zaniolo has been hot and cold so far, i don’t see what kean or raspadori have done to deserve anything. raspadori isn’t even starting at sassuolo!
This interview is the reason why I love Serie A. Its great that Mourinho is embracing the youth movement underway at Roma. I think the league is moving in the right direction.
I am delighted to hear that Zaniolo has affection for the Italy shirt. Sometimes International Duty becomes a chore and a bother. If this can spur him on, all the better.